I do think it is unwise for dissatisfied people to continue shooting gear that distresses them. The grass is often greener on the other side of the fence and if someone believes that their photography would improve dramatically by purchasing a Canon or Nikon camera and similar lenses, as compared to Pentax, then they should proceed. We do see people leave and some of them do come back, feeling that there wasn't as much improvement after the change as they had thought there would be.
SDM is a problem for Pentax, but I don't believe that other companies are pure from having in lens motors and optical stabilization break down. Since we have no numbers to show rates of lens failures for various brands, it is difficult to make broad statements.
In the end, Pentax does give me good results and for someone who shoots for a hobby, it is good enough. As to whether or not having a Nikon or Canon would improve my images, probably not. I don't shoot action shots and for things that aren't moving very fast, Pentax is just fine.
Good luck to everyone on their decisions.
Last edited by Rondec; 01-08-2016 at 04:36 AM.